Marilyn Gardner Holgate

Marilyn Gardner Holgate, age 91, passed away at home with her family in Hamilton, Virginia, on Friday, 30 January 2026.

Marilyn was born on 21 July 1934, to David Grant and Mamie Lamont Gardner in Venice, Utah. She was the youngest of five: Elouise Montgomery, Willis, Anna Crowther, and Wesley ("Pat"). Marilyn grew up in Richfield, Utah. In high school, she enjoyed singing in the choir and participated in high school theater.

Marilyn married Reldon James "Jim" Holgate from Monroe, Utah, in 1950, in Pioche, Nevada. They were sealed in the Mesa, Arizona Temple in 1973.

Marilyn began her married life in Richfield, Utah, then moved to Phoenix, Arizona. She then moved with her husband and 5 children to Tucson, Arizona. In 1961 she and Jim settled their family in Saint David, Arizona, and remained in the San Pedro Valley for 44 years, living in both Saint David and later Pomerene. While in Saint David, two foster-sons joined them, expanding their family to 9.

In Saint David, Marilyn worked as a store clerk at the town market. She went on to become a nurse's aide and an OR Tech at the hospital in Benson, Arizona. In later years she worked as a caregiver.

She sold Avon for many years and enjoyed the opportunity to get to know and serve many people in her local community.

Marilyn was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in the Stake Relief Society presidency, as ward librarian, and was active in the Cub Scouts.

Marilyn loved nature and animals. She enjoyed camping and hiking with her family. She participated in the local bowling league. Her hobbies included quilting (she made an individually designed quilt for each grandchild), and crafting (especially Christmas tree ornaments as gifts every year). She was an avid reader, wrote poetry, and loved music and singing. Marilyn was highly intelligent and resourceful, a storyteller who always had a funny anecdote or an animal story to share, and always ready to serve others.

Marilyn is preceded in death by her parents and siblings; her husband Jim, and eldest son Robert James; daughter-in-law Sylvia Reese Holgate; grandchildren Clinton Flake and Jocelyn Rodearmel; great-grandchildren Mason Bell and Alexandra Flake.

She is survived by her children: Terri Peck Holgate (wife of Robert (deceased)), Dana Holgate (Pauline), Angela Miles, Charles Posegate (Carolyn), Carey Holgate (Lori), Cynthia Johnson (Cedric), Steve Burr; and 43 grandchildren, 124 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great-grandchildren.

A small open house in Marilyn's honor will be held at her daughter Cynthia Johnson's home, in Hamilton, Virginia, on 15 February 2026.

A celebration of life will be held in Boise, Idaho, in 2028 when her ashes are interred with her husband Jim.